Curiosity has been a desired concept in the fields of mathematics and science for generations. The curiosity concept is becoming a concept many other fields and organizations are trying to demystify and apply. The reason this term resonates with so many is that organizations desire curiosity and thought innovation to stem creativity. This creativity will either result in a new product, new process, or a new culture.
Often you hear of "creating a culture of curiosity" or "creating environments that are conducive to curiosity." Rarely do people talk about what it actually takes for a person to become more curious so that the culture and environment can accelerate their curiosity.
But what does it really take to become curious?
First, we must recognize that curiosity is a state rather than a trait. It is turning wonder into action. A person isn't born with more or less of an ability to be curious. We are all born curious. However, that inborn ability atrophies if curiosity isn't nurtured.
The brain's number one function is not thought.
The brain's primary function is managing a body's allostasis. The brain is managing salt, glucose, water, oxygen, all of the nutrients and chemicals that your body needs to keep alive and healthy and your brain is attempting to do this in the most metabolically efficient way. Metabolic efficiency is very important for the overall health because there is a limited amount of energy resources that are available at any given point in time.
Understanding that principal is what will help us understand what is required for curiosity to occur. We must ensure that our bodies are supplied with enough energy so that normal body functions can occur efficiently. If normal body functions occur efficiently then our body will have more available resources to gift our brain for the opportunity for curiosity to occur.
Meaning we must eat the right and appropriate amount of food and we must get an appropriate amount of quality sleep. Two of the most basic things in life that most of us if we are honest with ourselves have complete control of. However, they are the two things that we sacrifice the most each day.
To increase our curiosity we have to ensure that we are well fed and well rested...Otherwise our brain is less efficient in performing its primary function of body management and has less resources available to apply toward curiosity.
Why does this matter?
So often we talk about a culture of curiosity and creating environments that are conducive for curiosity to occur but we neglect the foundation that is required for it to occur. If the foundations of curiosity are there then the culture and the environment can be the accelerants they intend to be.
As we are all busy and going many different directions I challenge us to be intentional about rest, nourishment, culture, and environment so that we can optimize curiosity and creative thought!
Lead NWA well this week!
- Dr. Keith McDaniel
